Senior Pilot Production Technician

Panthalassa; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 55,104 - 75,768; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in company

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) / FSA

Job summary

Panthalassa in Portland, Oregon is seeking a Senior Pilot Production Technician to shape the mass‑production framework for oceanic node components. You will define processes, write clear instructions, and train the growing Pilot Production team to meet quality and safety standards.

The role emphasizes high‑volume electronic assembly, testing, and root‑cause analysis, with 8+ years in production and hands‑on PCBAs work. Competitive compensation supports health benefits and relocation if needed.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in a high paced production environment.
• Hands-on experience with electronic assemblies, rack builds, testing, and troubleshooting PCBAs.
• Know-how of electronics fabrication/testing tools (soldering iron, scope, DMM).
• Experience with high voltage electronics and ESD best practices.
• Experience with vibration and thermal testing systems.
• Ability to write production instructions and documentation.
• Strong focus on production metrics, data, and goal setting.

Responsibilities

• Complete top level electronic assemblies and do PCBA rework/modification.
• Perform acceptance tests of electrical, vibe and thermal assemblies.
• Assemble depth-rated enclosures and wiring bulkheads.
• Maintain safe operation of all production equipment.
• Lead or assist root cause analysis for non-conformances.
• Collaborate with Engineering to apply lessons learned and resolve issues.
• Develop testing procedures for components and assemblies.
• Develop production KPIs and track on-time task completion.
• Create training programs and work instructions.
• Contribute to workstation design and floor layout for safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Manage tooling/supplies inventory for production needs.
• Perform high-skill soldering and board bring-up; some board rework.
• Assist in MES implementation and maintenance.
• Establish preventative maintenance schedules for equipment.

Skills

High-paced production

PCBAs testing/troubleshooting

Reading schematics

Production metrics & data use

Team training/leadership

Education

Associates degree or cert in electronic engineering technology / mechatronics / manufacturing tech

Tools

Soldering iron

Oscilloscopes

Digital multimeter

Industrial testing equipment

ERP/MRP/QMS/MES software

Job description

About the Company

We are a renewable energy and ocean technology company committed to rapidly developing and deploying technologies that will ensure a sustainable future for Earth by unlocking the vast energy potential of its oceans. Our focus is on capturing civilizational levels of ultra-low-cost renewable energy for applications including computing and affordable renewable fuels delivered to shore.

The company is a public benefit corporation headquartered in Portland, Oregon and backed by leading venture capitalists, philanthropic investors, university endowments, and private investment offices. We operate as an idea meritocracy in which the best ideas change the company’s direction on a regular basis.

About the Job

Our core technology is the node, a device that produces energy in the ocean’s harshest conditions for years at a time without human maintenance or intervention.

We are getting ready to build fleets of these Nodes, and that means standing up a manufacturing system that can produce the hulls as well as the internal subsystems at scale. The Pilot Production team will be the first crew whose primary focus is producing components utilizing mass production techniques. We will help to test, define, refine, and document the processes so that Panthalassa can rapidly scale into mass production. This team is data and process driven, improvement focused, and willing to step in wherever needed.

The Senior Pilot Production Technician will assist in defining how all of the components in the node are being manufactured and/or assembled. This includes creating and editing documentation on process steps with a focus on quality and clarity. The Senior technician will be setting the standard and training the team as we hire and grow.

Key Responsibilities:

• Complete top level electronic assemblies as well as rework/modify PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) where needed
• Acceptance test of all electronic assemblies (electrical and final, as well as vibe and thermal)
• Assembling depth-rated enclosures and bulkhead panel wiring
• Ensure safe operation of all equipment
• Lead or assist in root cause analysis for production non-conformances
• Work collaboratively with Engineering and Development teams to incorporate lessons learned as well as track and resolve issues
• Assist in the development of testing procedures for components and assembliesAssist in developing production KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators)
• Track and ensure on-time completion of tasks as required to meet production goals
• Assist in the creation of training programs and work instructions
• Lead and/or assist in work station design and floor layout to optimize safety, quality, and efficiency
• Determine and maintain proper inventory of tooling and supplies as needed for efficiency
• High-skill soldering, component replacement, board-bring up, and (low-quantity) board rework
• Assist in the implementation and maintenance of the MES (Manufacturing Execution System)
• Establish and document preventative maintenance schedules for production equipment

Required Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience in a high paced production environment
• Have significant hands‑on experience completing electronic assemblies including rack build‑outs as well as testing, and troubleshooting PCBAs
• Strong knowledge of tools and equipment used in electronics fabrication and testing (soldering iron, optical microscope, common hand tools, digital multimeter, oscilloscopes, adjustable power supplies)
• Have experience working in environments with high voltage electronics
• Working knowledge of electrostatic discharge (ESD) best practices
• Experience with vibration and thermal testing systems
• Experience creating written work instructions/documentation
• Strong understanding of production metrics, data, and goal setting
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical schematics
• Experience with factory production software (ERP, MRP, QMS, MES, etc)

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience leading/training team members
• Experience with 3d modeling software (NX, Fusion, or SolidWorks)
• Associates degree or certifications in electronic engineering technology, mechatronics, or manufacturing technology
• Experience with HALT and HASS testing systems
• Experience with leak testing systems including helium mass spectrometer

The above qualifications are desired, not required. We encourage you to apply if you are a strong candidate with only some of the desired skills and experience listed.

Requirements

You will be required to be on your feet for up to 10 hours per day and occasionally lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds. You should be comfortable occasionally working in elevated work areas, including on ladders and platforms, with appropriate safety equipment. Forklift training will be offered.

You will occasionally be asked to help other teams within the company, such as prototyping, facilities, office management, and logistics.

Work Hours

Typically 8am to 4pm, Monday-Friday. Shift can be flexible with potential overtime.

Compensation and Benefits:

If hired for this full-time role, you will receive:

• Cash compensation of $40.00 - $55.00 per hour
• Equity in the company. We’re all owners and if we’re successful, this equity should be far and away the most valuable component of your compensation.
• A benefits package that helps you take care of yourself and your family, including:
  • Flexible paid time off
  • Health insurance (the company pays 100% of gold level PPO plan for full time employees, their partners, and dependents)
  • Dental insurance (the company pays 100% for full time employees and 100% for their partners and dependents)
  • Vision insurance (the company pays 100% for full time employees, their partners, and dependents)
  • Disability insurance (the company pays 100% for a policy to provide long term financial support if you become disabled)
  • Ability to contribute to tax‑advantaged accounts, including 401(k), health FSA, and dependent care FSA
• Relocation assistance to facilitate your move to Portland (if needed).

Location:

This is an on-site position. Our offices, lab, and shop are located in Portland, Oregon.